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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 6073

· 6 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Error 6073 occurs when a user attempts to open a company file in multi-user mode, but the file is already being accessed or is locked by another user. This error is most commonly seen in multi-user environments and is typically caused by improper file permissions, network issues, or hosting misconfigurations.

The error message displayed is:
"QuickBooks is unable to open this company file. It may have been opened by another user in single-user mode. Error -6073, -99001."

This guide will help you understand the causes of Error 6073 and walk you through step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 6073​

  1. File Opened in Single-User Mode: The company file is being accessed in single-user mode by another user.
  2. File Accessed from a Remote Location: The file is opened via Remote Desktop while another user attempts to access it locally.
  3. Hosting Misconfiguration: Incorrect hosting settings on the server or workstations.
  4. File Permissions Issue: Insufficient permissions to access the company file.
  5. Damaged Network Data File (.ND): Corrupted network configuration files can prevent file access.
  6. Multi-User Mode Issues: The network or server isn't configured correctly for multi-user access.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 6073​

  • QuickBooks displays the error message: "Error -6073: QuickBooks is unable to open the company file."
  • You are unable to access the company file in multi-user mode.
  • QuickBooks freezes or crashes when attempting to open the file.
  • The file can be accessed only in single-user mode.

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error 6073​

Step 1: Verify Hosting Configuration​

Ensure that only the server computer is hosting the company file, and hosting is disabled on all workstations.

  1. Check Hosting Settings on the Server:
    • Open QuickBooks Desktop on the server.
    • Go to File > Utilities.
    • Ensure Host Multi-User Access is selected. If it says Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, hosting is already enabled, so no action is needed.
  2. Check Hosting Settings on Workstations:
    • Open QuickBooks Desktop on all workstations.
    • Go to File > Utilities.
    • Ensure Host Multi-User Access is not enabled. If it says Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, select it to disable hosting.

Step 2: Use QuickBooks File Doctor​

The QuickBooks File Doctor tool can diagnose and repair issues with the company file and network configuration.

  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub:
    • Visit the official Intuit website and download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  2. Run QuickBooks File Doctor:
    • Open Tool Hub and go to the Company File Issues tab.
    • Select QuickBooks File Doctor and browse to your company file.
    • Let the tool scan and repair any issues.
  3. Retry Access:
    • Open QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Step 3: Rename the .ND File​

The .ND (Network Data) file allows QuickBooks to access the company file over the network. If this file is corrupted, it can cause Error 6073.

  1. Locate the .ND File:
    • Navigate to the folder containing your company file.
    • Look for a file with the same name as your company file but with a .ND extension (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd).
  2. Rename the File:
    • Right-click on the .ND file and select Rename.
    • Add .old to the end of the file name (e.g., CompanyFile.qbw.nd.old).
  3. Recreate the .ND File:
    • Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager (part of the QuickBooks Tool Hub).
    • Select the folder containing your company file and click Scan.
    • This will automatically recreate the .ND file.
  4. Retry File Access:
    • Open QuickBooks and try accessing the company file again.

Step 4: Switch to Multi-User Mode​

Ensure that the company file is being accessed in multi-user mode.

  1. Open the Company File:
    • Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to File > Open or Restore Company.
  2. Switch to Multi-User Mode:
    • Go to File > Switch to Multi-User Mode.
  3. Retry Access:
    • Ensure all users attempting to access the company file are connected to the same network.

Step 5: Check File Permissions​

Ensure that all users have the necessary permissions to access the company file.

  1. Locate the Company File:
    • Navigate to the folder where the company file is stored.
  2. Check Folder Permissions:
    • Right-click on the folder and select Properties.
    • Go to the Security tab and ensure all users have Full Control permissions.
  3. Update Permissions:
    • If permissions are insufficient, click Edit and grant Full Control to all necessary users.
  4. Retry File Access:
    • Open QuickBooks and attempt to access the company file again.

Step 6: Verify Network Configuration​

Check your network settings to ensure proper configuration for multi-user mode.

  1. Ping the Server:
    • On a workstation, open the Command Prompt (Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
    • Type ping [Server Name] and press Enter. Replace [Server Name] with the name of your server.
    • If the server responds, the network connection is active. If not, troubleshoot your network.
  2. Restart Network Devices:
    • Restart your router, modem, and server to refresh the network connection.
  3. Check Server Hosting:
    • Ensure the server is properly configured for hosting the company file.

Step 7: Close the Company File on the Server​

If the company file is open on the server in single-user mode, close it before accessing it in multi-user mode.

  1. Log in to the Server:
    • Access the server hosting the company file.
  2. Close QuickBooks:
    • Ensure QuickBooks Desktop is completely closed on the server.
  3. Retry Multi-User Access:
    • Open QuickBooks on the workstation and try accessing the company file again.

Step 8: Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks​

If the error persists, reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop may resolve the issue.

  1. Uninstall QuickBooks:
    • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
    • Select QuickBooks Desktop and click Uninstall.
  2. Use the Clean Install Tool:
    • Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and select Installation Issues > Clean Install Tool.
  3. Reinstall QuickBooks:
    • Download the latest QuickBooks installer from the official Intuit website and follow the prompts to reinstall.

Additional Tips to Avoid Error 6073​

  • Use a Dedicated Server: Host the company file on a dedicated server for better stability.
  • Regularly Update QuickBooks: Keep QuickBooks Desktop updated to the latest version.
  • Backup Files Regularly: Create regular backups of your company file to prevent data loss.
  • Train Team Members: Ensure all users understand how to properly switch between single-user and multi-user modes.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Error 6073 can be frustrating, especially in multi-user setups, but it is manageable with the steps outlined above. From verifying hosting settings and repairing the .ND file to configuring network permissions, these solutions address the most common causes of the error.

If the problem persists, consider contacting QuickBooks support or consulting a certified QuickBooks expert for advanced troubleshooting.